ITALICS May 27, 2015 Italian American Genealogy/"Black Souls" Film

By webmaster

Created 09/17/2015 - 11:48

ITALICS visits personal histories of Italian Americans as well as the conditions all too real in present-day Italy. Genealogist Mary Tedesco of Origins Italy joins us in our studio to unlock the door to knowing from whence we came. Director Francesco Munzi talks about his latest film, “Black Souls (Anime nere),” in which a Calabrian family struggles with its place in society - grappling between retaining its power via the ‘ndrangheta and breaking free from archaically violent ways in a society that doesn’t leave much choice.

ITALICS visits personal histories of Italian Americans as well as the conditions all too real in present-day Italy. Genealogist Mary Tedesco of Origins Italy joins us in our studio to unlock the door to knowing from whence we came. Director Francesco Munzi talks about his latest film, “Black Souls (Anime nere),” in which a Calabrian family struggles with its place in society - grappling between retaining its power via the ‘ndrangheta and breaking free from archaically violent ways in a society that doesn’t leave much choice.

ITALICS visits personal histories of Italian Americans as well as the conditions all too real in present-day Italy. Genealogist Mary Tedesco of Origins Italy joins us in our studio to unlock the door to knowing from whence we came. Director Francesco Munzi talks about his latest film, “Black Souls (Anime nere),” in which a Calabrian family struggles with its place in society - grappling between retaining its power via the ‘ndrangheta and breaking free from archaically violent ways in a society that doesn’t leave much choice.

Professor Emeritus Jack Barbera of the University of Mississippi delves into three of Tennessee Williams’ works - “The Rose Tattoo,” “Baby Doll,” and “Orpheus Descending” - and discusses the late playwright’s compassion for and representation of Italians, women, and Blacks. At the New York Vegetarian Festival, Chef Jay Astafa shows us how to make homemade mozzarella – with cashew milk!

Women’s History Month Special. This episode focuses on Italian American women in the public eye. Pop icon who often refers to, embraces, and sometimes seemingly desperately clings to her Italian roots: Madonna Louise Ciccone, aka Madonna. Kay Turner (The New School) and Chris Cuomo (University of Georgia) discuss the “Material Girl” as Italian American woman. Valerie Smaldone, one of America’s favorite voices, in radio, commercials, and television, on her multifarious career as a media personality and entrepreneur, women in media, and not being afraid to “be fabulous.” Professor Margherita gives us a lesson on Italian words for this month, dedicated to women.

In honor of Black History Month, “Italics” looks at the role of the press – both radical and mainstream - in the assimilation of Italian immigrants to the dominant white culture from 1886 through 1920 and its relevance in thinking about racism in our society today, and amidst recent outpourings of the masses into the streets for #BlackLivesMatter. Scholar Peter Vellon (Queens College/CUNY) explores this in his new book, “A Great Conspiracy Against Our Race: Italian Immigrant Newspapers and the Construction of Whiteness in the Early 20th Century.“ “Italics” catches up with Mr. Vellon and Dr. Joseph Sciorra at the Calandra Institute. Professor Margherita talks of love, in it’s various forms, with February’s Italian words of the month.

Mario Cuomo, son of immigrants, was the first elected Italian American - and longest-running democratic - Governor of New York State, courageously defending his political stances such as steadfastly upholding women’s rights to abortion and fighting the death penalty, despite risking votes. To commemorate the late statesman are John Calvelli, Executive Vice President of both the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the National Italian American Foundation; Joseph Sciame, Vice President for Community Relations at St. John’s University, and Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations; and Jeanne Zaino, Professor of Political Science and International Studies at Iona College.

On this Special Holiday episode, Vickie and Nickie bring us holiday cheer with their “Holiday Sleigh Ride” show at Don’t Tell Mama. Their real-life counterparts, Lisa and Lori Brigantino, talk about portraying a multi-instrumental singing sister duo from Minnesota, and the other aspects of their creative lives. Professor Margherita is back to teach us Italian words appropriate for the holidays. Chef Camillo Sabella shows us how to make his recipe for wholesome – and delectable – pignoli cookies!

On this episode of “Italics: Television for the Italian American Experience,” award-winning actor Rocco Sisto joins us in our studio to talk “Shakespeare’s Italy.” Self-described “despotic teacher-diva” Professor Margherita stops by to teach us the ABCs of speaking Italian. The 39th Annual NIAF Gala in Washington D.C. kicks off with Casino Night and a performance by Louis Prima, Jr. and the Witnesses, plus the weekend’s conferences and panels, and we catch up with honoree, actor John Turturro, at the VIP Reception. The Calandra Institute presents the book launch of “Embroidered Stories” and Bordighera Press celebrates its 25th Anniversary!

ITALICS celebrates its eighth season of four one-hour Special Episodes dedicated to Italian Heritage and Culture Month. This edition features Hon. Natalia Quintavalle, Consul General of Italy in New York, as well as John Calvelli, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs at Wildlife Conservation Fund and Executive Vice President of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF).

Joseph Sciame, Chairman of the Italian Heritage and Culture Month Committee of New York, joins us in our studios to talk about the significance of commemorating Italian heritage and culture, and will highlight some of the events happening throughout October. Also joining us are Frank G. Fusaro, Chairman of the Board of Governors, and Angelo Vivolo, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, organizers of the annual Columbus Day Parade.

This episode honors the craft of Italian shoe repair, with a visit to Italian craftsman Nicola Pecchia at James Custom Shoe Repair. With forty-eight years’ experience, the delightful Nick, as he’s known to loyal customers, reveals some of his secrets.